The Government has identified the need to take action to reduce air pollution and has committed to delivering cleaner air through its UK Air Quality Strategy, published in 2000, which sets target levels for eight pollutants that can adversely affect human health. The main sources of local air pollution around Bristol International Airport are:
The effect of emissions from aircraft on air pollution in the vicinity of Bristol International Airport is likely to be less than that from road traffic to and from, or passing the airport. Increased use of public transport by passengers and employees to reach the airport is therefore an important factor in reducing air pollution around the airport. However if road traffic becomes progressively cleaner and air traffic continues to grow the contribution of emissions from aircraft could become more significant. The main pollutants from aircraft are oxides of nitrogen, formed from oxygen and nitrogen in the air passing through the engine. The levels of nitrogen dioxide at Bristol International Airport have been monitored by diffusion tube sampling since February 2000. To date measurements indicate that the air quality is within the AQS air quality objectives.
Download Air Quality Results 2000 - 2006 (pdf:126kb)